Dear USET/USET SPF Family,
On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years old. In accordance with the FDA authorization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend that all children in this age group who have been fully vaccinated at least 5 months ago should receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
The updated eligibility for a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years old is as follows:
The FDA authorization of a booster dose for this age group follows the similar January authorization and CDC recommendation that adolescents between 12-15 years old should receive a booster dose at least five months after their primary series. It reflects the evidence that while vaccine effectiveness appears to wane over time across age groups, the vaccines are still very effective at preventing serious illness and death. Safety data reviewed by the FDA in consideration of this decision showed that a booster dose improved vaccine effectiveness without any serious side effects.
After review of the evidence, the USET Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) supports the recommendation of a COVID-19 booster dose for children ages 5-11 years old at least 5 months after their primary vaccination series. The TEC is available to assist with any questions or concerns about this recommendation, and will continue to provide updates on the latest COVID-19 guidance to our member Tribal Nations.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at usetepi@usetinc.org
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